(DDM) — The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended relocating residents of Makoko, the sprawling waterfront community, to a proposed low-cost housing estate in Epe, following a series of recent demolitions in the area.
Makoko, often referred to as the “Venice of Lagos,” has long faced infrastructure and urban planning challenges, with residents living in informal settlements on stilts above the Lagos Lagoon. Recent demolitions targeting unapproved structures have reignited debates about the city’s approach to housing, urban renewal, and social welfare.
The recommendation aims to provide affected families with affordable, planned housing, away from flood-prone and densely populated zones, while addressing long-standing safety and sanitation concerns.
Officials emphasized that the proposed Epe estate would include basic amenities, improved access to utilities, and a structured layout to ensure residents have better living conditions compared to the previous informal settlement.
The relocation plan is expected to be phased, with government authorities promising engagement and support for affected families, including options for resettlement compensation and temporary shelters during the transition.
While the assembly’s recommendation seeks to balance urban development with social welfare, critics argue that previous relocation efforts in Lagos have sometimes displaced residents without adequate support, raising concerns about livelihoods, community cohesion, and access to jobs and schools.
The proposed move is part of broader urban renewal initiatives in Lagos, where authorities have consistently struggled to manage informal settlements amid population growth, environmental challenges, and economic pressures.
As discussions continue, both residents and urban planners will be watching closely to see how Lagos State balances development priorities with social justice and community rights in implementing the Makoko relocation.
